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Thursday, October 27, 2005

Time out

I’ve always loved being in the woods and especially so in the fall and winter. When I was young I would spend several days camping alone. I would find a remote spot near a creek or a lake where I wouldn’t be bothered by anyone or anything and spend the days hiking and fishing. At night I would stare at the sky and wonder what the future would hold.

When my oldest daughter was born I was certain I would miss the woods and for several years I gave up the time I spent there. As my daughter grew older we would go out for picnics and she loved to explore any and every trail we might find. We blazed quite a few of our own. Finally the time came that I thought she was ready so I took her for her first camping trip. She loved every minute of daylight as always but when the evening approached the sounds from the woods began to crawl up her spine and I watched her grow silent, listening, her eyes growing ever wider. She stayed very close from dusk until dawn and sleep was only something we said we should do. No subject was to hard for her that night as long as it kept me awake and together we measured the universe.

Breakfast came before dawn and by the time the sun was full her eyes could hardly stay open. I packed up our things and loaded the car and we made the trip back home in silence. I expected her to sleep but she just sat staring, not looking, just thinking. I could see she was soaking it in. We pulled up to our drive and she collected her self, then looked over at me and smiled. I turned off the car and her little arms reached around my neck. She said “Thank you Daddy. I really like camping but I’d never want to go without you”. I realized it then and I told her so too, “sweetheart I’d never want to go without you either”.

That was many years ago and though we’ve each made a few trips without the other we’ve proved we were honest in what we’d said that day. My little sweetheart is 25 now and I’m not Daddy anymore, just Dad, but there’s a chill in the air and her question today is the same one she’s had since that first night in the woods, “Dad, when are we going camping again” ?

What a fantastic blessing. As my children have grown older, blessing me with a grandson (the first of many, I hope!), I've come to treasure the memories of times spent and better understand the hand of God within those precious moments.My 20 year old son has moved back to town to attend the local university after his stint in the Army. What was one of the first things he asked? You got it - "Dad, do you think we could go camping sometime this fall?"Praise God for a full heart!

Curious Servant thanks. I find the thing we value most we tend to keep from those who hold it in the highest esteem.

Matt I couldn’t be happier for you. I’ll be expecting a full report you know. ;-)

Not1jot you’re comment has blessed me greatly. A heart can only be that full when it’s overflowing with His love. Isn’t it so wonderful to realize that love is the only thing that will abide forever and to know the joy of the love we share in? Thanks so much for sharing it here.

I hate camping...why go outside when it is perfectly good inside? Seems quite unreasonable to me. :)

KC, would you write me a review? You can look at the ones I already have for some idea of what they consist of. Just short and pithy and honest. Be honest. No hype (although I need it). I would be much obliged...

Have you been following my discussion on Divorce? I don't know if I am doing this 'series' thing correctly. I am not really use to it...

KC, would you write ME (Adam) a review. I am not even sure if Joshua has reviews upon his site. Speaking of his site, I changed his background (hence my being under his name), y'all tell me your opinion of it. I haven't shown him yet, hopefully he'll like it.

Adam, tell Josh he owes me a visit now (grin). I would be honored to offer a review, even though honestly I feel unworthy, I really am happy to do it.

I’m not even qualified to critique your series but in my honest opinion I think you’re doing an excellent job. Your research is exhaustive and as always your reasoning is flawless. Beyond that I think the doctrinal value is priceless and it’s a scriptural lesson that’s desperately needed today. While I’m at it I’ll just say that I find all your articles and reviews well done and both sites look great! ;-)

Now about camping…

You’ll have to go with us once and then you will know for yourself what’s so good. ;-)

my dad and i had our happy times too though going camping is not really something that we do here often if not at all. but we do have fun memories too. i just wish i can do those again with my dad, the whole family.